Angel’s room was right across the hall. He dragged his feet past the nursery to peek in on her. He stood there just watching for a while. She was a beautiful child. Her curls were just as wild as they were the day they’d met. It was splayed out all over the pillow. Jason stepped inside her room. When he bent over to kiss her good night, her eyes flutter open and then closed.
She smiled before whispering, “daddy you home.”
Jason’s throat was thick. He’d heard her the first time she’d ever said it on that night. But, it hadn’t fully registered until now. He kissed her on the forehead before responding, “Yes. Daddy’s home.”
He knew it was selfish but he would have given anything not to have to share her with Ryan.
“I thought I heard someone in here.”
Jason turned around to see Vicky standing in the doorway.
Still unable to look her in the eyes he focused on the photo on wall directly behind her. He stood up to walk out of the room and whispered so he didn’t wake up Angel.
“Yeah…I just got home a few minutes ago.”
Jason gave Vicky a quick peck on the cheek before moving to leave the room. Vicky moved out of his way so that he could step past her.
“It’s late what are you doing still up?”
“I got your message that you were coming home tonight and I…I just wanted to see you.”
They walked towards their bedroom.
“You must have been really busy.”
Jason knew she was probably upset because he hadn’t really talked to her much while he was away; Even though she sounded more tired than angry.
“I was very busy. We were finalizing a couple of big deals and it had to be done by today. I knew you were in good hands with mom, dad, and Shirley. “
Vicky sat on the bed and watched him as he undressed. She wanted to scream ‘but I needed you’! She would have given anything for him to take her into his arms.
She knew he probably wasn’t ready for that yet. But, she hoped in time he could forgive her. Vicky just hoped she had more time.
Jason finished undressing and got into bed and let out a deep sigh “I’m exhausted.”
Vicky climbed underneath the covers too. Jason turned his back towards her and pulled the covers up over his shoulders.
Vicky lay their watching his back from her side of the bed. There was so much space between them. She wanted to say something…anything but she didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t long after that she could hear the even rhythm of his breathing. He’d fallen asleep.
It was close to morning before she fell into a restless sleep. Her dreams were full of Bridget and Jason.
Chapter 23
Miriam Rutherford was working in her garden. She’d been out there all morning. That is where she went when she had a problem and needed to work the answers out. Getting the soil underneath her fingers also calmed her nerves.
The sun was baking this time of the day. It was almost close to noon. She’d probably have to wrap it up soon. The heat was going to become unbearable. Miriam still had no idea what to do.
“Is Mrs. Rutherford anywhere out here in this garden?”
She looked up to find John standing there with two tall glasses of ice cold lemonade.
Miriam got up from the ground, dusted herself off, and accepted the glass “That’s just what I need right now.”
“So, did you figure it out yet?”
Miriam was just about to take a drink, “Figure what out?”
“Miriam Rutherford, I’ve been married to you forever. I know that you love your gardens but you don’t think I know that you come out here to be alone and work out whatever issue is going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
“I’m worried about the kids.”
“Ah. I figured as much. Miriam, there is nothing we can do. Unlike last time, they’ll have to figure this one out on their own.”
“John, there is so much love and pain there. And they both seem to be dealing with it on their own instead of leaning on each other. Maybe you should talk to Jason.”
“Sweetheart, we’ve never lost a child. Yes, as grandparents, we were devastated when we lost Jason Jr., but I can only imagine it must be a thousand times worse for them. It’s only been a little under a couple of months. They are both still grieving. Everyone grieves differently.”
“I guess you’re right. The added stress of the Carter’s trying to take Angel isn’t helping either. You know that emergency custody hearing is Friday. I’m nervous about that. I can’t imagine what might happen if they lost custody of Angel.”
“John Lucas and his team have it all under control.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Sweetheart…you know I didn’t help to build a billion dollar company on my looks alone. Just know that John Lucas might have a couple of surprises up his sleeve. I know Jason’s been pre-occupied with work, losing his son, and possibly his daughter....”
John Rutherford took a long drink of his lemonade while Miriam watched and waited for him to finish his thought.
“This is some really good lemonade.”
Miriam hit him on his arm, “John! And?”
“And…I wouldn’t leave my son without a safety net.”
“John did you bribe the judge? I mean, I thought about it but I heard she
